John Frusciante Quits Red Hot Chili Peppers, Again

December 18, 2009 07:40:39 GMT

"To put it simply, my musical interests have led me in a different direction," John explains his exit from the rock band.

Guitarist John Frusciante confirms he is leaving band Red Hot Chili Peppers. In a post on his official site dated Wednesday, December 16, he confirmed that he has left the rock music act over a year ago, making it his second time quitting the group after his first one back in 1992.

"There was no drama or anger involved, and the other guys were very understanding. They are supportive of my doing whatever makes me happy and that goes both ways," he wrote. "To put it simply, my musical interests have led me in a different direction. Upon rejoining, and throughout my time in the band, I was very excited about exploring the musical possibilities inherent in a rock band, and doing so with those people in particular. A couple of years ago, I began to feel that same excitement again, but this time it was about making a different kind of music, alone, and being my own engineer."

John went on writing, "I really love the band and what we did. I understand and value that my work with them means a lot to many people, but I have to follow my interests. For me, art has never been something done out of a sense of duty. It is something I do because it is really fun, exciting, and interesting."

"Over the last 12 years, I have changed, as a person and artist, to such a degree that to do further work along the lines I did with the band would be to go against my own nature. There was no choice involved in this decision. I simply have to be what I am, and have to do what I must do. Sending love and gratitude to you all," so he ended his post.

John Frusciante first joined Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1988 as a replacement for its original guitarist, Hillel Slovak, who died of a heroin overdose. He left the band in 1992 before rejoining in 1999. In the wake of John's leave, the band haven't named a replacement just yet.

Post Your Comments

posted by nippmike65 on Nov 29, 2011People grow and change! Musicians are not only artists (and this is NOT a news flash folks), but they are people too. ROCK ON RHCP, and GOOD LUCK John!!!

posted by shmareshmare on Feb 07, 2010I understand his reasons for leaving and I support him. His solo work is completely different from the band. I am happy with what RHCP has given us so far. I'm more excited to hear from JF as a solo artist.

posted by cliverozario on Dec 18, 2009Can;t believe it. John makes the band! I heard that Josh Klinghoffer is replacing him, or at least temporarily . who would be a good replacement?

posted by wtf on Dec 18, 2009Now how did I know he was going to do that? He's got issues, masked as musical differences.